Dad's reaction to millennial daughter’s career shift after layoff makes all the difference

Losing a job can feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you, leaving you grappling with uncertainty and self-doubt. The weight of financial stress and the pressure to keep moving forward can feel like an insurmountable burden. But in those moments, having a strong support system—especially family—can be transformative. Their love and encouragement can serve as a powerful reminder that you’re not alone in facing life’s challenges. For Diana Trinh, known on TikTok as @thecoffeedate, her father became her rock after she lost her corporate marketing job in the tech industry.

After being laid off, Trinh took a lower-paying job at Applebee’s, a decision her father celebrated with immense pride. In a heartwarming gesture, he stayed up late to film her returning home after her first 8-hour shift. “Last year, I was laid off as a marketing manager working in tech. My dad always supported me and filmed me on my first day after working my first 8-hour shift at Applebee’s,” Trinh wrote in a text overlay on the video she shared online.

In the clip, Trinh is seen unpacking food she brought home while chatting with her dad, who beams with pride. The touching moment is a testament to the unconditional support she received during a difficult chapter in her life. Trinh captioned the video, “My dad always supported me,” underscoring the profound impact of his love and encouragement.

The TikTok video quickly gained popularity on social media, leaving netizens in awe. For instance, @.caffie wrote, "Keep your head up. that's a hard transition going from a desk job to a public-facing one. I have a part-time minimum-wage side hustle. More respect for those out hustlin." @fromlayofftolaunch wrote, "Laid off from tech as well and now I’m opening up a matcha shop. You are destined to do something else bigger and better." Similarly, @eeg.2 commented, "Laid off in tech now I’m driving a forklift on a power plant job making more than I did before, shout out to life being mysterious." @heyitscheech wrote, "Saved this video so I can read these comments of encouragement because I’m in the same boat and it’s humbling but also I am having trouble not feeling self-conscious but my bills going to be paid."

@lilcurdburglar commented, "My husband took a job delivering bread after 25 years as a journalist after being laid off. I’m proud of you for doing what you need to do! Respect to all those who hustle to get it done." @mightyrogue11 wrote, "The fact that you got right back up on your feet and made the decision to work, no matter the type of job, deserves recognition. Some people refuse to do this and are still unemployed." @samirn98 commented, "Love that energy! You should never be ashamed of that, you worked hard and are hopefully in a better position. I’m hoping for the same, working as a doorman while I get my masters in Marketing."

Meanwhile, Trinh spoke to Newsweek about her dad's unwavering support and the response her video received online. "I didn't get home until close to 11 p.m. that day, but I was so happy to see that he stayed up. I didn't realize how excited he was until I turned up the volume on the video. It truly made me cry," she said. She also shared that the video reached many people who, unlike her, didn’t have the support of their parents. "I'm so devastated that so many people have been laid off in this economy, but I'm grateful for the beautiful strangers on the internet who showed kindness. It's a reminder that we're all in this together," Trinh added.

You can follow Diana Trinh (@thecoffeedate) on TikTok for more career-related content.